The Project helped cultivate talented teen writers, rappers, emcees, and poets ages 13-18 by asking them to compete for the title of the Inaugural Portland Youth Poet Laureate.

Up until June 30th, teens throughout the city submitted five poems to Spit/Write’s website, with one poem or rap dedicated to the idea of “Equity, Justice and Youth Leadership.”

After a few weeks of deliberating, a panel of judges selected 12 finalists and named them Portland’s Poet Ambassadors.

Now that these twelve special teens have made it this far, they will be mentored in writing and performance until a top winner is chosen in September.

The winner will earn the title of Portland Poet Youth Laureate, a national book deal from Penmanship Books, and the chance to go on a regional book tour.

Meanwhile, the other finalists will continue to share their passion and drive for leadership through other opportunities created by being in the program.

“A naked poem clothed in bravado can be empowering, especially to disenfranchised or shy teens, because it allows them to express ideas in words full of their own style and truth,” said S. Renee Mitchell, the founder of Spit/Write.

Bill and Jake

Morel Ink's Bill Dickey and Campfire board member Jake Kindrachuk. Camp Fire Columbia's 5th annual Celebrity & Youth Talent Show raised over $90,000 in support of inspiring youth to achieve their aspirations, graduate on time, and love the outdoors.

Bob Speltz

Standard Insurance's Bob Speltz. Camp Fire Columbia's 5th annual Celebrity & Youth Talent Show raised over $90,000 in support of inspiring youth to achieve their aspirations, graduate on time, and love the outdoors.

Camp Fire Friends

Aaron Smith, Stephen Marc Beaudoin and Carl Halvorson. Camp Fire Columbia's 5th annual Celebrity & Youth Talent Show raised over $90,000 in support of inspiring youth to achieve their aspirations, graduate on time, and love the outdoors.

Crystal and Jason

Crystal Lamb and Jason Zidell. Camp Fire Columbia's 5th annual Celebrity & Youth Talent Show raised over $90,000 in support of inspiring youth to achieve their aspirations, graduate on time, and love the outdoors.

Dana and Jake

Dana Comella and Jake Kindrachuk. Camp Fire Columbia's 5th annual Celebrity & Youth Talent Show raised over $90,000 in support of inspiring youth to achieve their aspirations, graduate on time, and love the outdoors.

Chad Marriott

Camp Fire Chair Chad Marriott onstage at the Crystal Ballroom. Camp Fire Columbia's 5th annual Celebrity & Youth Talent Show raised over $90,000 in support of inspiring youth to achieve their aspirations, graduate on time, and love the outdoors.